Rising above 1000 meters above sea level, hail to one of the gems of Oriental Negros' tourism. A major attraction in the region is the beautiful and awe inspiring 'Twin Lakes'. When you're going to Dumaguete, a day spent in Twin Lakes should be one of the best experiences you could ever have in this side of the world.The calmest and most serene place in the whole province was also my last destination, and i must say.. it couldn't get any better than this.

My guide was persistent that i have to pay a visit to Lake Balinsasayao because he really wanted me to see what this spot has to offer. 6 kilometers from Dumaguete City is the town of Sibulan, and 12 kilometers west of Sibulan + 20 minute scenic ride cruising along impeccable winding paths on high altitude, will get you to Balinsasayao Lake. On my way going there, i rode the motorbike yet again, and passed by such an amazing coastline. The trip was exciting because i got to pass by the national highway and see the beautiful view of the ocean and next door neighboring province, Cebu.

Lake Balinsasayao is a protected national park. Before disembarking, you will have to sign and pay a minimal fee of P10 issued by the Republic of the Philippines to enter. This fee goes to the rehabilitation and protection of the national park. Years have passed, and local hunters and "kaingeros" have continuously cut down timber. This illegal activity has resulted to an alarming rate fall of the water level in the lake. I think this issue needs to be resolved quick before this place turns into a barren basin.

Here i am finding my balance in a huge tree. (Please ID this tree if this is the Almagica "Almasiga" which is one of the tallest tree in the Philippines rising over 60 meters.)

Lake Balinsasayao is gaining popularity among adventure-seekers for its beautiful diversity of flora and fauna. From rare species of birds to beautiful and wild orchids, Lake Balinsasayao offers the richest and best ecosystem. Fishing is another popular activity here. Carp, catfish, tilapia are frequently swimming in this fresh water lake and most of the day-trippers would fish and cook their fresh catch. Likewise, you can just ask the local fishermen and buy from them. Native huts are built, where one can rent and enjoy the view of the beautiful lake while savoring a delicious feast.

If fishing is not your thing, you could rent a boat or a kayak. On the other hand, one can also enjoy the sight from the cliff by trekking to the other side of the ridge. Most people who go here have brought with them their packed meals. if you forgot to bring yours, don't worry because there's a canteen before the descent to the lake. If this was in Thailand, this place would be part of an adventure day tour - hence, a steady inflow of tourists. Let's help out the tourism industry here, shall we?!

By the way, for happy campers it's good to note that there are areas around the lake where you could pitch in your tent. I reckon it would be an awesome experience to camp out here, in the middle of the jungle and just commune with nature.

Be reminded that the water isn't shallow. A few steps from the bank, the water goes to a deep slope which others say descend up to 90 meters. But i couldn't fathom the thought of going to Lake Balinsasayao and not swimming. It's just not right! So, there i was braving the cold water and swimming, together with the little Negrense kids. What a beautiful experience!

Lake Balinsasayao is embraced by four mountains: Mount Mahungot to the south, Mount Kalbasan to the north, Mount Balinsasayao to the east and Mount Guidabon to the west. The air is cool here and the breeze of the wind makes it an ideal place to spend an afternoon. I just loved my stay here even if it was just a short while. Do you know that this portion of Sibulan is said to be the home of a remarkable number of species: 180 different kinds of trees, 113 birds, 27 mammals and 49 reptiles and amphibians, making it a national park?

If there's one thing i regret not doing, it is staying longer here in Lake Balinsasayao. It's so beautiful and calming that i forgot all my worries. All the apprehensions of what was waiting for me when i get back home, all gone and forgotten about. Meditation is a recommended activity here, and as advised - during sunrise and sunset are the best time to enjoy the 'Twin Lakes'. I always found myself weirdly smiling all the time here. It seems there are still places in the world, where one could just forget about the worries of tomorrow, and just smile, like there's no tomorrow.

@lakwatsera de primera Yes, you can kayak around. And as what the guide said, you can kayak all the way to the other lake which is lake danao. Trekking is highly recommended and will offer you the best views of the place. You will enjoy it a lot because it's nice to camp out there.

@Karla I am so happy to be able to travel around Negros. I traveled alone, and it's a very serene place which is a good place to meditate and think about life. There's just so many beautiful places in the country.

By the way, the video is now working. I now have a YouTube channel so i just embedded the video. Thanks for visiting! Cheers!

adding this is must-visit place in negros. i love places like this, so serene and relaxing, perfect for some reflections. thanks for sharing jerik.pwede pang mag swim, at mura lang.how much pala ang gastos ng fare from the city?

It's my first time to hear about this lake. Mukhang maganda ngang mag-reflect o mag-meditate sa place na to. It's good that there are places like this where you can calm your soul and forget all your worries for a while. Thanks for sharing this!

@paperbiscuits hey, long time no read! he he i am good. I am traveling again to Hong Kong and Macau tomorrow. It's nice sometimes to travel with your loved one. I want my sister to experience the immense feeling of going on a trip. so it's my treat! yey!

Can you believe it im even more excited than your sister.hahaha.cant wait for the photos coming..lucky her.how i wish i get to travel with enthusiatic people..i wished you'd consider on coming up an idea where you invite your readers for a trip..like for me ive never travel and party outside philippines..the last time i was in singgapore it was lame as i was with my introvert mom.hahah..i never consider that a travel. of course as new you will have to tell us how much should we bring with us..what to bring..and what to expect you know the place anyway..hahhaa..whatever..just thinking aloud.

I thought this one is named after the Balinsasayao bird. But nonetheless this is one of the pictures of untouched beauty. I hope illegal logging would be stop in the area and gave families alternative living that won't destroy nature - I have since an advocate of Going Green.

@paperviscuits ha ha ha i just came back from my trip. Thanks so much for your comment. I will take that into consideration. It's always nice to inspire people. Always believe in the kindness of people. And no matter where you are in the world, remember you're representing our country, the Philippines. And always smile and be truthful, that's what Filipinos are known for. I'll try to write another post on that one. Thanks for the suggestion!

@Ian Wow! Thanks for the input about the name of the bird. didn't know about it, till you shared it. Yes, it's very sad to know that people still continue illegal logging. What's worse is the people don't know yet the repercussions of their actions. I honestly believe that with information comes awareness and responsibility. I hope the government can do something about it.

@Bonzenti I got curious with the story of the boy. He doesn't want to join his friends. I don't know why. I took this photo and realized how much this shot impressed me. Thanks!

I love reading your stories too because they're raw and honest. I follow your blog entries and i am also inspired by your vision. Thank you so much, and goodluck! Feel free to come back and read my stories. Thanks again!

So sorry 'coz i don't have a fixed itinerary. Actually, i just arrived there hoping to look for fun things to do. I ended up going where people take me and recommend. You should try not having one, get spontaneous. I promise you it's more fun. :)

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